Enter MR STRIctland, Tester, and Servants. Strict. She's gone! she's lost! I am cheated! pursue her! seek her! Test. Sir, all her clothes are in her chamber. Ser. Sir, Mrs Clarinda said she was in boy's clothes. Strict. Ay, ay, I know it-Bellamy has herCome along-Pursue her. [Exeunt. Enter RANGer. Luc. This it is to middle with other people's affairs. [Exit in anger. Ran. What a lucky dog I am! I never made a gentleman a cuckold before. Now, impudence, assist me! Mrs Strict. [Rising.] Provoking! I am sure I never have deserved it of him. Ran. Oh, cuckold him by all means, madam; I am your man! [She shrieks.] Oh, fy, madam! if you squall so cursedly, you will be discovered. Mrs Strict. Discovered! What mean you, sir! do you come to abuse me? Ran. I'll do my endeavour, madam; you can have no more. Mrs Strict. Whence came you? How got you here? and to your how got you here? I say, in at the window: it stood so invitingly open, it was irresistible. But, madam-you were going to undress. I beg I may not incommode you. Ran. Hark!-Was not the noise this way? No, there is no game stirring. This same goddess, Diana, shines so bright with her chastity, that, egad, I believe the wenches are ashamed to look her in the face. Now am I in an admirable mood for a frolic: have wine in my head, Ran. Dear madam, so long as I'm here, what and money in my pocket, and so am furnished signifies how I got here, or whence I came ? but out for the cannonading of any countess in that I may satisfy your curiosity, first, as to your Christendom. Ha! what have we here! a lad-whence came you? I answer, out of the street: der! this cannot be placed here for nothingand a window open! Is it love or mischief now that is going on within? I care not which-I am in a right cue for either. Up I go, neck or nothing. Stay-do I not run a greater chance of spoiling sport, than I do of making any? that I hate, as much as I love the other. There can be no harm in seeing how the land lies-I'll up.[Goes up softly.] All is hush-Ha! a light, and a woman! by all that's lucky, neither old nor crooked! I'll in-Ha! she is gone again! I will after her. [Gets in at the window.] And for fear of the squalls of virtue, and the pursuit of the family, I will make sure of the ladder. Now, Fortune, be my guide! SCENE II-MRS STRICTLAND's dressing-room. escape. Luc. Never fear, madam; the lovers have the start of him, and I warrant they keep it. Mrs Strict. Were Mr Strictland ever to suspect my being privy to her flight, I know not what might be the consequence. Luc. Then you had better be undressing. He may return immediately. [As she is sitting down at the toilet, RANGER enters behind.] Ran. Young and beautiful. [Aside. Luc. I have watched him pretty narrowly of late, and never once suspected till this morning Mrs Strict. And who gave you authority to watch his actions, or pry into his secrets? I Luc. I hope, madam, you are not angry. thought it might have been of service to you to know my master was jealous. Ran. And her husband jealous! If she does out send away the maid, I am happy. Mrs Strict. Angrily.] Leave me. Mrs Strict. This is the most consummate piece of impudence! Ran. For Heaven's sake, have one drop of pity for a poor young fellow, who has long loved you. Mrs Strict. What would the fellow have? Ran. Your husband's usage will excuse you to the world. Mrs Strict. I cannot bear this insolence! Help! Help! Ran. Oh, hold that clamorous tongue, madam! Speak one word more, and I am gone, positively gone. Mrs Strict. Gone! So I would have you. Mrs Strict. Shall I not speak, when a thief, a robber, breaks into my house at midnight! Help! help! Ran. Ha! no one hears. Now, Cupid assist me!--Look ye, madam, I never could make fine speeches, and cringe, and bow, and fawn, and flatter, and lie. I have said more to you already, than ever I said to a woman in such circumstances in all my life. But since I find you will yield to no persuasion to your good, I will gently force you to be grateful. [Throws down his hat, and seizes her.] Come, come, unbend that brow, and look more kindly on me! Mrs Strict. For shame, sir! Thus on my knees let me beg for mercy. [Kneeling. Ran. And thus on mine, let me beg the same. [He kneels, catches, and kisses her. Strict. [Within.] Take away her sword! she'll hurt herself! Mrs Strict. Oh, Heavens! that's my husband's voice! Ran. [Rising.] The devil it is! Strict. Within.] Take away her sword, I say, and then I can close with her. Mrs Strict. He is upon the stairs, now coming up! I am undone, if he sees you! Ran. Pox on him, I must decamp then. Which way? Mrs Strict. Through this passage into the next chamber. Ran. And so into the street. heart. You may be perfectly mum's the word; I never blab. not leave off so, but wait till the With all my easy, madam: [Aside.] I shall last moment. Strict. I know you are false, and 'tis I how will bear my injuries no longer. [Both walk about in a passion. Luc. [To JACINTHA aside.]-Is not the hat yours? own it, madam. [Takes away JACINTHA's hat, and exit. Mrs Strict. What ground, what cause have you for jealousy, when you yourself can witness, your leaving me was accidental, your return uncertain; and expected even sooner than it hap[Exit RANGER.pened? The abuse is gross and palpable. Strict. Why, this is true! Mrs Strict. So, he's gone. What could I have said, if he had been discovered! Enter MR STRICTLAND driving in JACINTHA, LUCETTA following. Strict. Once more, my pretty masculine madam, you are welcome to home; and I hope to keep you somewhat closer than I have done; for to-morrow morning, eight o'clock, is the latest hour you shall stay in this lewd town. Jac. Oh, sir; when once a girl is equipped with a hearty resolution, it is not your worship's sagacity, nor the great chain at your gate, can hinder her from doing what she has a-mind. Strict. Oh, Lord! Lord! how this love improves a young lady's modesty! Jac. Am I to blame to seek for happiness any where, when you are resolved to make me miserable here? Strict. I have this night prevented your making yourself so; and will endeavour to do it for the future. I have you safe now, and the devil shall not get you out of my clutches again. I have locked the doors, and barred them, I warrant you. So, here-[Giving her a candle.] Troop to your chamber, and to bed, while you are well. Go![He treads on RANGER'S hat.] -What's here? A hat! A man's hat in my wife's dressing-room! [Looking at the hat. Mrs Strict. What shall I do? [Aside. Strict. [Taking up the hat, and looking at MRS STRICTLAND.]-Ha! By hell, I see 'tis true! Mrs Strict. My fears confound me! I dare not tell the truth, and know not how to frame a lie! [Aside. Strict. Mrs Strictland, Mrs Strictland, how came this hat into your chamber? Luc. Are you that way disposed, my fine lady, and will not trust me? Strict. Speak, wretch, speak- Mrs Strict. Sir [Aside. [Aside. Strict. Guilt-'tis guilt that ties your tongue! Luc. I must bring her off, however. No chambermaid can help it. [Aside. Strict. My fears are just, and I am miserable -Thou worst of women! Mrs Strict. I know my innocence, and can bear this no longer. Mrs Strict. Indeed, Jacintha, I am innocent. Strict. And yet this hat must belong to somebody. Jac. Dear Mrs Strictland, be not concerned. When he has diverted himself a little longer with it Strict. Ha! Jac. I suppose he will give me my hat again. Strict. Your hat! Jac. Yes, my hat. You brushed it from my side yourself, and then trod upon it; whether on purpose to abuse this lady or no, you best know yourself. Strict. It cannot be 'tis all a lie. Jac. Believe so still, with all my heart; but the hat is mine. Now, sir, who does it belong [Snatches it, and puts it on. Strict. Why did she look so? to? Jac. Your violence of temper is too much for her. You use her ill, and then suspect her for that confusion which you yourself occasion. Strict. Why did not you set me right at first? Jac. Your hard usage of me, sir, is a sufficient reason why I should not be much concerned to undeceive you at all. 'Tis for your lady's sake I do it now, who deserves much better of you than to be thus exposed for every slight suspicion.— See where she sits-Go to her. Mrs Strict. [Rising.]-Indeed, Mr Strictland, I have a soul as much above Strict. Whew! Now you have both found your tongues, and I must bear with their eternal rattle. Jac. For shame, sir! go to her, and Strict. Well, well; what shall I say? I forgive-all is over. I, I, I forgive. Mrs Strict. Forgive! What do you mean? Jac. Forgive her! Is that all? Consider, sirStrict. Hold, hold your confounded tongues, and I'll do any thing. I'll ask pardon-or forgive or any thing. Good now, be quiet-I ask your pardon-there-[ Kisses her.]—For you, madam, I am infinitely obliged to you, and I could find in my heart to make you a return in kind, by marrying you to a beggar, but I have more conscience. Come, come; to your chamber.-Here, take this candle. Enter LUCETTA pertly. Luc. Sir, if you please, I will light my young lady to bed. Strict. No, no! no such thing, good madam. She shall have nothing but her pillow to consult this night, I assure you. So, in, in.-[The ladies take leave. Exit JACINTHA.]-Good night, kind madam. Luc. Pox of the jealous fool! We might both have escaped out of the window, purely. [Aside. Strict. Go! get you down; and, do you hear, order the coach to be ready in the morning at eight, exactly. [Erit LUCETTA.]-So, she is safe till to-morrow, and then for the country; and, when she is there, I can manage as I think fit. Mrs Strict. Dear Mr Strictland Strict. I am not in a humour, Mrs Strictland, fit to talk with you. Go to bed. I will endeavour to get the better of my temper, if I can; I'll follow you.-[Exit MRS STRICTLAND. How despicable have I made myself! [Exit. SCENE III.-Another chamber. Enter RANGer. [Aside. Ran. What shall I say to her? No matter; Ran. A man, young gentleman. Jac. You are very free, sir. Here are none for you. Ran. Ay, but there is one, and a fair one, too; the most charming creature nature ever set her hand to; and you are the dear little pilot that must direct me to her heart. Jac. What mean you, sir? It is an office I am not accustomed to. Ran. You won't have far to go, however. I never make my errands tedious. It is to your own heart, dear madam, I would have you whisper in my behalf. Nay, never start. Think you such beauty could ever be concealed from eyes so well acquainted with its charms? Jac. What will become of me! If I cry out, Mrs Strictland is undone. This is my last resort. [Aside. Ran. All seems hushed again, and I may ven- Ran. Pardon, dear lady, the boldness of this ture out. I may as well sneak off whilst I am in visit, which your guardian's care has forced me a whole skiu. And, shall so much love and claretto: but I long have loved you, long have doated as I am in possession of, only lull me to sleep, on that beauteous face, and followed you from when it might so much better keep me waking? place to place, though, perhaps, unknown and Forbid it fortune, and forbid it love. This is a unregarded. chamber, perhaps, of some bewitching female, and I may yet be happy. Ha! A light! The door opens. A boy! Pox on him! [He retires. Enter JACINTHA with a candle. Jac. I have been listening at the door, and, from their silence, I conclude they are peaceably gone to bed together. Ran. A pretty boy, faith! he seems uneasy. [Aside. Jac. [Sitting down.]—What an unlucky night has this proved to me! Every circumstance has fallen out unhappily. Jac. Here's a special fellow! [Aside. Ran. Turn, then, an eye of pity on my sufferings; and, by Heaven, one tender look from those piercing eyes, one touch of this soft hand[Going to take her hand. Jac. Hold, sir! no nearer. pain. Jac. Hear me; but keep your distance, or I raise the family. Ran. Blessings on her tongue, only for prattling to me! Aside. Jac. Oh, for a moment's courage, and I shall shame him from his purpose. [Aside.] If I were certain so much gallantry had been shewn on my Ran. He talks aloud. I'll listen. [Aside. Jac. But what most amazes me is, that Cla-account only-▬▬ rinda should betray me! Ran. Clarinda! She must be a woman. Well, what of her? [Aside. Jac. My guardian, else, would never have suspected my disguise. Ran. Disguise! Ha, it must be so! What eyes she has! What a dull rogue was I not to suspect this sooner! [Aside. Jac. Ha! I had forgot; the ladder is at the window still, and I will boldly venture by myself. -[Rising briskly, sees RANGER.-Ha! A man, and well drest! Ha, Mrs Strictland! Are you then at last dishonest! Ran. You wrong your beauty to think, that any other could have power to draw me hither. By all the little loves that play about your lips, I swear Jac. You came to me, and me alone? Ran. By all the thousand graces that inhabit there, you, and only you, have drawn me hither. Juc. Well said-Could I but believe youRan. By Heaven, she comes! Ah, honest Ranger, I never knew thee fail. [Aside. Ran. By all my wishes, she is a charming wo-it man! Lucky rascal! [Aside. Jac. Pray, sir, where did you leave this hat? Jac. But I will, if possible, conceal her shame, now! and stand the brunt of his impertinence. Ran. So, so! I am in a pretty pickle! [Aside. Jac. You know by this, that I am acquainted with every thing that has passed within, aud how ill it agrees with what you have professed to me. Let me advise you, sir, to be gone immediately through that window, you may easily get into the street. One scream of mine, the least noise at that door, will wake the house. Ran. Say you so? [Aside. Jac. Believe me, sir, an injured husband is not so easily appeased, and a suspected wife that is jealous of her honour— Ran. Is the devil; and so let's have no more of her. Look ye, madam, [Getting between the door and her.] I have but one argument left, and that is a strong one. Look on me well; I am as handsome, a strong, well made fellow as any about town; and, since we are alone, as I take it, we can have no occasion to be more private. [Going to lay hold of her. Jac. I have a reputation, sir, and will maintain it. Run. You have a bewitching pair of eyes. Jac. Consider my virtue. [Struggling. Ran. Consider your beauty, and my desires. Jac. If I were a man, you dared not use me thus. Ran. I should not have the same temptation. Jac. Hear me, sir; I will be heard. [Breaks from him. There is a man who will make you repent this usage of me. Oh, Bellamy! where art thou now? to you. Jac. Good Heaven! How fortunate is this! Ran. I believe I make myself appear more wicked than I really am. For, damn ine, if I do not feel more satisfaction in the thoughts of restoring you to my friend, than I could have pleasure in any favour your bounty could have bestowed. Let any other rake lay his hand upon his heart, and say the same. Jac. Your generosity transports me! Ran. Let us lose no time, then; the ladder's ready. Where was you to lodge? Jac. At Mr Meggot's. Ran. At my friend Jacky's! better and better still. Jac. Are you acquainted with him, too? Ran. Ay, ay; why, did I not tell you at first, that I was one of your old acquaintance? I know all about you, you see; though the devil fetch me if ever I saw you before! Now, madain, give me your hand. Jac. And now, sir, have with you. Ran. Then thou art a girl of spirit. And though I long to hug you for trusting yourself” » with me, I will not beg a single kiss, till Bellamy himself shall give me leave. He must fight well, that takes you from me. [Exeunt ACT IV. Bel. Jealousy, you know, is as natural an incident to love Frank. As curiosity. By one piece of silly curiosity, I have gone nigh to ruin both myself and you; let not, then, your jealousy complete our misfortunes. I fear I have lost a mistress as well as you. Then let us not quarrel. All may come right again. Bel. It is impossible. She is gone, removed for ever from my sight: she is in the country by this time. Bel. I am so; and therefore should be for-ed? given this sudden warmth. Frank. How did you lose her after we part Bel. By too great confidence. When I got Frank. And therefore should forgive the fond her to my chair, the chairmen were not to be impertinence of a lover. VOL. II. found. And, safe as I thought in our disguise, 4 T I actually put her into the chair, when Mr Strictland and his servants were in sight; which I had no sooner done, than they surrounded us, overpowered me, and carried her away. Frank. Unfortunate indeed! Could you not make a second attempt? Bel. I had designed it; but when I came to the door, I found the ladder removed; and, hear ́ing no noise, seeing no lights, nor being able to make any body answer, I concluded all attempts as impracticable as I now find them.—Ha! I see Lucetta coming. Then they may be still in town. Enter LUCETTA. Lucetta, welcome! what news of Jacintha? Luc. News, sir! you fright me out of my senses! Why, is she not with you? Bel. What do you mean? With me! I have not seen her since I lost her last night. Luc. Good Heaven! then she is undone for ever. Frank. Why, what's the matter? Bel. Speak out--I'm all amazement ! Luc. She is escaped, without any of us knowing how. Nobody missed her till morning. We all thought she went away with you. But Heaven knows now what may have happened. Bel. Somebody must have accompanied her in her flight. Luc. We know of nobody: we are all in confusion at home. My master swears revenge on you. My mistress says a stranger has her. Bel. A stranger! Luc. But Mrs Clarinda Bel. Clarinda! Who is she? Enter RANGER. Ran. What the devil, swords at noon-day! Have among you, faith! [Parts them.] What's here, Bellamy!—Yes, egad, you are Bellamy, and you are Frankly; put up, both of you—or else I am a devilish fellow when once my sword is out. Bel. We shall have a time Ran. [Pushing BELLAMY one way.] A time for what? Frank. I shall be always as ready to defend my innocence as now. Ran. [Pushing FRANKLY the other way.] Innocence! ay, to be sure-at your age-a mighty innocent fellow, no doubt. But what, in the name of common sense, is it that ails you both? are you mad? The last time I saw you, you were hugging and kissing; and now you are cutting one another's throats-I never knew any good come of one fellow's beslavering another-But I shall put you into better humour, I warrant youBellamy, Frankly, listen both of you-Such fortune-such a scheme Bel. Prithee, leave fooling. What, art drunk? Ran. And who gave you the privilege of thinking? Drunk! no; I am not drunk. Tipsy, perhaps, with my good fortune-merry, and in spirits-though I have not fire enough to run my friend through the body. Not drunk, though Jack Meggot and I have boxed it about-Champaign was the word for two whole hours, by Shrewsbury clock. Bel. Jack Meggot! Why, I left him at one, going to bed.. Ran. That may be, but I made shift to rouse Luc. [To FRANKLY.] The lady, sir, who you him and his family by four this morning. Ounds! saw at our house last night. Frank. Ha! what of her? Luc. She says, she is sure one Frankly is the man; she saw them together, and knows it to be true. Frank. Damned fortune! [Aside. Luc. Sure this is not Mr Frankly. [Aside. Bel. [Looking at FRANKLY.] Ha! 'tis true!I see it is true. [Aside.] Lucetta, run up to Buckle, and take him with you to search wherever you can. [Puts her out.] Now, Mr Frankly, I have found you.- -You have used me ill, that you force me to forget you are my friend. Frank. What do you mean? SO Frank. Are you mad? By Heavens, I am in nocent. Bel. I have heard you, and will no longer be imposed on. Defend yourself! Frank. Nay, if you are so hot, I draw to defend myself, as I would against a madman. I picked up a wench, and carried her to his house. Bel. Ha! Ran. Such a variety of adventures-Nay, you shall hear But, before I begin, Bellamy, you shall promise me half a dozen kisses before hand: for the devil fetch me if that little jade, Jacintha, would give me one, though I pressed hard. Bel. Who, Jacintha? press to kiss Jacintha? Ran. Kiss her! ay; why not? is she not a woman, and made to be kissed? Bel. Kiss her!--I shall run distracted! Ran. How could I help it, when I had her alone, you rogue, in her bed-chamber, at midnight! if I had been to be sacrificed, I should have done it. Bel. Bed-chamber, at midnight! I can hold no longer- -Draw! Frank. Be easy, Bellamy. |